TWO men appeared in court this week charged with the murder of a Kirkmuirhill man.

Brian Costello died in hospital last Wednesday, three days after an incident in Wishaw.

Brian Costello died in hospital last Wednesday, three days after an incident in Wishaw.

On Monday, two Wishaw men appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court charged with his murder.

They were Ryan Scott (25), and James Brian Smith (22). The duo appeared in private and on petition. They made no plea or declaration and both were remanded in custody.

They are expected to appear in court early next week.

Mr Costello (36), had been enjoying an evening out at the Cambusnethan Miner’s Welfare Club in Wishaw. After leaving the premises just before 9pm, he was involved in an incident outside the club which left him with serious head injuries.

Mr Costello was rushed to nearby Wishaw General Hospital for urgent treatment, but hospital staff later said he was “fighting for his life.”

Sadly, he lost the fight on Wednesday, May 27.

In Kirkmuirhill, villagers have been shocked at the news of Mr Costello’s death. “This is a fairly quiet village and to hear a local man has been assaulted and died after going for a night out is quite a shock,” said one resident this week.